Southampton fans have responded on social media after the Saints were credited with interest in Rangers star Joe Aribo by the Daily Record.
Aribo has been the Gers’ standout player so far this season and he’s been particularly impressive since Gio van Bronckhorst’s appointment as manager last month.
He’s scored some stunning goals in recent weeks and he’s unsurprisingly attracting interest.
Premier League clubs Crystal Palace, Watford, and Brentford have all already been linked [Daily Mail] and now it’s been reported that Southampton are scouting him [Daily Record].
It’s claimed that a Saints representative was at Ibrox on Saturday to watch Aribo’s substitute appearance against Dundee United, while the English top-flight club also have a number of reports on him from previous Premiership and Europa League matches.
Obviously, Rangers won’t want to sell their standout player in the middle of the season and fans are desperate to see him stay at least until the end of the campaign.
However, given that Aribo only has 18 months left on his current deal, the Gers are in a relatively vulnerable position.
If they turn down a big bid for him next month, they will almost certainly have to settle for less down the line, providing he doesn’t sign an extension in the meantime.
Unsurprisingly, Southampton fans were delighted with the report.
Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Saints are currently 15th in the Premier League and haven’t won any of their last six matches. They’re also averaging less than a goal per game.
Therefore, the January window will be crucial if they are to avoid a relegation dogfight and bringing in a silky, creative player with an ever-developing eye for goal like Aribo could really lift their season.
Here’s a selection of reactions from Saints fans on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FPLDisasterClas/status/1473271649843748873
Meanwhile, a struggling club have named a new manager with a big match against Rangers on the horizon.
